"Red Dog" to chat about changes to summer Dog Days workouts

May 29, 2007

This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.

Don "Red Dog" Gardner, of the Red Dog's Dog Days, will chat about changes this summer's exercise program at Kansas University's Memorial Stadium. Construction near the stadium will affect parking when Dog Days moves outside from Allen Fieldhouse to Memorial Stadium on June 5.

Moderator:

Welcome. This is Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. Our guest today is Don Gardner, who runs Red Dog's Dog Days, the community exercise program. Dog Days is preparing for the summer session, which starts Tuesday, June 5, at Memorial Stadium. Welcome, Don.

Don "Red Dog" Gardner:

Thanks for inviting me I look forward to chatting about Dog

Days. First I would like to thank the KU Athletic Dept. for letting us use the stadium this summer.

Moderator:

Summer is the busiest time for Dog Days. What effect will the construction around Memorial Stadium have on participants?

Don "Red Dog" Gardner:

We will have to co-operate with the construction company and be carefull going in and out of the stadium. We will be able to park in lots 94 north-east and lot 91 south-east of the stadium.

Don "Red Dog" Gardner:

Also we will be able to park in the lot behind J.R.P. The gate to go in the stadium at this time will be gate 31&32.on the North east corner of the stadium.

Moderator:

I see the summer hours are 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays from June 5 to June 28; 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 2 to Aug. 9; and 7 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Saturdays, June 9 through Aug. 4, from the Lied Center parking lot. What other changes can participants expect this year?

Don "Red Dog" Gardner:

No other changes at this time. All participants are asked to sign a waiver for insurance purposes,

Hey, Red Dog. Have you ever contemplated making Red Dog exclusive to Lawrence High athletes, since it originally began as a summer training program for LHS fall sports? Do you think it's gotten out of control with all the people?

Don "Red Dog" Gardner:

Dog Days is for all athletes at all schools, No, the more the better--if we help one person feel better then we are doing a pretty good job.

I went to Dog Days when I was in high school and let me tell you, they kick your hind end. So, if you are not in tip top fitness shape, go slow and go at your own pace. It's really good for people who want to be involved in the community.

If any of you can afford to donate to this program, Red Dog and Bev are always on the lookout. I've even seen Red Dog collecting aluminum cans in his pickup to help defray costs. They are great people, and don't take any pay for this. If he ever decides to quit, Lawrence will have lost a great asset. So, again - if you can afford even a few dollars, I'm sure they'd appreciate it.